Marie Williams Cleary '70

For Judge Marie Cleary, no two Girls Preparatory School educations are alike. “I am able to see the GPS education through my mother’s eyes, my eyes, and the eyes of my three daughters," two of whom are alumnae of the school. According to this Hamilton County jurist, “Every girl is different. GPS has done a good job in the past and is now doing an even better job of helping young women identify their strengths and build the confidence to act on those strengths.”

While at GPS, Marie discovered her passion. Her activity on the debate team as well as in theatre arts was valuable when she decided to pursue law school. She obtained a B.A. from the University of Georgia and her J.D. from the University of Tennessee, College of Law before returning to Chattanooga. After 19 successful years as an attorney, Marie was appointed to Circuit Court Judge in 1995, the first female circuit court judge of record in Hamilton County. She believes, “It is important for little girls -- and little boys, too -- to see women as well as men in positions of responsibility.”

As an attorney, Marie specialized in medical malpractice, insurance defense, products liability and transportation. As Circuit Court Judge, she instituted a pilot program which requires parenting classes and a permanent family plan for all divorcing couples. This is now a state-mandated program for all divorced couples with children. 

When running for election, Marie said “I will continue to do the best job I can for this community.” Marie means the “best job” on and off the bench. A member of the Rotary Club, a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Nicholas School, and an Advisory Board member of Kids on the Block, Marie also serves as Vice Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee and in several other capacities. 

Marie says she contributes to the GPS Annual Fund because, “We have an obligation to support the institutions that have contributed to our own well being.”  Marie’s GPS Class of 1970 was led through a changing social landscape by faculty who “taught us to depend on our strengths in difficult situations. Even through adversity, GPS still built leaders.” She hopes GPS continues to further faculty development and core curriculum, equipping faculty with the ability to give girls an education relevant to their learning styles and personality.

Marie has served the GPS community in a variety of roles. She has worked as the Annual Fund class representative, served on the Alumnae Board, and volunteered as a career mentor, sharing her professional experience with a GPS senior. Marie gives back to GPS at every possible opportunity. Now she balances giving to the Annual Fund with the higher education expenses and academic needs of her children. “I can see that GPS has been a good influence in my daughters’ lives,” said the 2005 Distinguished Alumna Award recipient.

Judge Marie Cleary has been a valuable influence in the lives of many through her dedicated career, volunteer service, and philanthropic endeavors. GPS is honored to call her an alumna of this great school.